The Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 in Vienna, Austria. The orchestra is named after the famous Schönbrunn Palace, which is located in Vienna and was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. The ensemble is known for its performances of classical music, particularly the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II. The founding of the Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra was the brainchild of conductor Guido Mancusi, who had previously worked with the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Mancusi wanted to create an orchestra that would specialize in the music of Mozart and Strauss, and that would perform in the beautiful setting of the Schönbrunn Palace. He assembled a group of talented musicians from around the world, and the orchestra gave its first performance in the summer of 1997. The Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra is made up of around 40 musicians, including string players, woodwind players, brass players, and percussionists. The orchestra is led by a concertmaster, who is responsible for coordinating the musicians and ensuring that they play together in perfect harmony. The ensemble also features soloists, who are often drawn from the ranks of the orchestra itself. One of the highlights of the Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra's performances is the use of period instruments. The orchestra uses instruments that are similar to those that would have been used in Mozart and Strauss's time, which gives their performances a unique and authentic sound. The musicians also wear period costumes, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the performance. The Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra has performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and North America. The ensemble has played in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. The orchestra has also performed at numerous music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. One of the Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra's most famous performances was their New Year's Day concert in 2001, which was broadcast live on television to millions of viewers around the world. The concert featured a program of Strauss waltzes and polkas, as well as some of Mozart's most famous works. The concert was a huge success, and it helped to cement the orchestra's reputation as one of the world's leading classical music ensembles. The Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2003, the orchestra was awarded the Golden Hallmark of Quality by the Austrian government, which recognized the ensemble's outstanding contributions to the country's cultural heritage. The orchestra has also been praised by critics and audiences alike for their virtuosic performances and their commitment to preserving the traditions of classical music. In addition to their performances, the Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra is also committed to music education. The ensemble offers workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and they have also established a scholarship program to help talented young musicians pursue their studies. In conclusion, the Schönbrunn Festival Orchestra is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that is known for their performances of Mozart and Strauss.

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